The time between the 27th National Synod Assembly in mid-January and the Installation on March 7th passed quickly. There was much attention to transitions of personnel and preparation for the changes to the Constitution that would govern the business of ELC-PNG into the future. Early March found many representatives from partner churches gathering once again in Lae. Rev. Dr. Philip Baker, Asia Pacific Regional Representative for Theological Education and Church Relations came to Lae as the official ELCA representative. He lives in Kuala Lampur and travels across eight countries representing ELCA in the Asia Pacific region. Don and Laura Just were still in Lae, volunteer teaching at Martin Luther Seminary, so there were five of us present at the Installation.
On Saturday, March 6, there was a commemoration of the partnership of ELC-PNG and the Overseas partners from Germany, Australia, and the United States. Finland has only recently joined the partnership but no one was able to attend the Installation. The planting of trees at a clearning in Ampo, newly named Partnership Park, was the visible and tangible symbol of the Partnership. A durian tree was planted in the center to represent PNG ( LtoR: General Secretary Albert Tokave, Assisting Bishop Zau Rapa, and Bishop Gergiere Wenge)and six fruit trees were planted on the perimeter. We gave Phil Baker the honor of planting the guava tree that represents ELCA. We gathered to celebrate the hopefulness represented in the new growth and future fruits of our relationships. Then we went on to a community meal and anticipation of the next day's activities.
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